The meaning
> This idiom is used to say to someone that if he wants to be successful he should do something immediately. Success comes to those who prepare well and put in effort!
If you see a job that interests you, apply as soon as possible. The early bird catches the worm.
This proverbial is so familiar that it is often shortened to early bird, a term also used in the sense of «early riser», as in
You can call me at seven -I’m an early bird, as well as «early diner».
This restaurant has early-bird specials at lower prices.
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Etymology
> It was first recorded in English in 1605 in John Ray’s A collection of English proverbs 1670, 1678: «The early bird catcheth the worm.»
Clearly the title of the work indicates that this was considered proverbial even in the 17th century.
Wrong translation
> L’oiseau matinal attrape le ver
Correct French idiom
> L’avenir appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt
